Yearning, Learning - [Catradora Drabbles] [Returns 09/29/23]

2 - Rainbow

Peace has become a strange and generally otherworldly thing for Catra to experience now that it's all falling into place. Without needing to stay on-guard around Shadow Weaver, impress Hordak, or submit herself to Prime's demands, a heavy weight's finally lifted off her shoulders. Regardless, she still can't forget over those moments, nor ignore the flashes from when she once used to be chipped. While the device is gone as so are two of those people occupying her thoughts, her memories are still fresh, and it's hard for her not to keep them in mind as she sits down on the grass, the scent of flowers distinctive in the air.

Adora joins her side and rests her head on her shoulder. Their hands interlock with each other as they stare at the sky, a countless amount of stars presenting themselves amongst the clouds. Catra tries closing her eyes to relax, yet as soon as she does, unwanted thoughts return to her mind. She grits her teeth and fights them back, something Adora seems to notice, based on how she sits up straighter and makes her face her side. "Still can't sleep?" she asks, cupping her cheek.

Catra nods and lets out a hum, ears drooping before she can get to reply, "Wanna walk around some more?"

Her girlfriend agrees with a 'sure' and stands up first, helping her back to her feet with the stretch of an arm. She takes it and keeps her hold on it as they both set off for another walk. She's lost track of time, and she's pretty sure Adora has, too, though neither of them comment over the matter. The sun's already beginning to show over the horizon, giving some awareness over how late, if not how early it now was.

"How do you feel about..." Catra stops just as she's about to say the woman's name. Her breath hitches and her chest tightens, unabling her from continuing. She holds Adora's hand stronger and tries to seek peace with a deep, steady breath, still wanting to finish her question. "How do you feel about... Shadow Weaver not being here anymore?"

Adora stops in her tracks. She looks towards her, managing an expression between sorrow and a smile. "I'm..." Her hand squeezes Catra's back, a subtle tremble present in that movement. "I guess I haven't thought too much about it yet." She huffs and closes her eyes, opening them when her shoulders fall. "It just feels strange knowing she's not here anymore, and... I guess even stranger when I'm not sure over what to feel."

A pause follows after that and she lets go of Catra's hand. At that, Catra stops and meets with her gaze. "What about you?" her girlfriend asks.

She's not sure over how to voice her response, her's similar to Adora's, though not as clearly worded as she wanted it to be. Now that she was free from having to impress others and trying too hard to maintain her status, she could concentrate more on who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do, rather than going along with what once used to be imposed on her. One of those things is dedicating more quality time with Adora, though she's not exactly willing to admit that right now.

To make up for her inability of saying what's on her mind, she takes Adora by the arm and pulls her closer. A small smile forms on her lips, and she sees her girlfriend return it with a warmer one. She gives her's a quick peck, an action she deepens the second Adora kisses back.

"I think I feel the same way," Catra replies, pulling her in for a hug. "You know me well, Adora."